Web SX232 Ulstein In Air Planview SB Side

ULSTEIN SX232- Subsea vessel for demanding offshore energy tasks

The offshore energy market is booming, and so is the demand for subsea vessels that can operate in challenging environments and perform complex tasks. Whether installing, maintaining, or decommissioning offshore wind farms or oil and gas platforms, subsea vessels need to be flexible, efficient, and reliable.

Published
12 March 2024
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How the Ulstein design team meets the subsea vessel demand

The positive trends in the offshore energy market led Ulstein to develop the ULSTEIN SX232, a new subsea vessel that combines innovation, versatility, and emission reduction. It serves the offshore wind market for floating and fixed installations as for offshore oil & gas. 

Web Highlights ULSTEIN SX232

Three core principles

The ULSTEIN SX232 is based on three core principles that make it stand out from the competition: 

  • an optimized hull design based on the ULSTEIN TWIN X-STERN
  • a smart power and propulsion system developed to minimize energy consumption during DP operations and 
  • an integrated energy recovery system utilizing all the waste heat in the machinery systems (cooling water and exhaust).  

These features enable the ULSTEIN SX232 to reduce emissions and operational costs while enhancing performance, safety, and comfort.

Designing for future needs

The design has been developed to include versatile fuel options and a battery energy storage system for peak shaving and spinning reserve purposes has been implemented.

The vessel’s forward section accommodates 130 people and includes two remotely operated vehicle (ROV) hangars. A moonpool is positioned at the rear of the accommodation block, complemented by an expansive flat deck spanning over 2,000 m². This flat deck design enhances the vessel’s adaptability, allowing multiple operational setups to suit diverse maritime tasks.

The basic platform has been configured with a 250-tonne offshore crane; however, the platform can also support a larger crane of 400 tonnes. 

With the upgraded crane capacity, the vessel could support the installation of suction anchors, which are common for floating offshore energy.

An alternative use of the ULSTEIN SX232 platform is for inter-array cable laying operations.

  • Web SX232 Ulstein Option 4 Dec23 Anchor Lift Sea SB Side
    The designer's illustration of 6 x 20 m suction anchors on deck.
  • Web SX232 Ulstein Option 5 Dec23 Sea PS Aft Low
    An alternative use of the ULSTEIN SX232 platform is for inter-array cable laying operations. This is a potential configuration with a 5,000 tonnes carrousel on deck and two cable-lay spreads. The vessel is equipped with an additional 3,500 tonnes carousel under deck, providing a total cable capacity of 8,500 tonnes.
  • Web SX232 Ulstein Option 6 Jan24 Sea SB Aft Low
    For floating wind, inter array installations need to be performed with a different configuration. Here a J-lay system will be required. In this figure, the vessel has a J-lay configuration with the tower over the stern.
  • Web SX232 Ulstein Option 8 Jan24 Sea SB Side
    This floating wind setup illustrates a J-lay setup through the moonpool.
  • Web SX232 Ulstein Option 7 Jan24 Sea PS Aft low
    This is an example of a J-lay configuration with the tower over the side.

Ulstein's subsea portfolio

The ULSTEIN SX232 joins Ulstein’s portfolio of subsea vessels. 

Together with the ULSTEIN SX239, it is the first subsea vessel to integrate the ULSTEIN TWIN X-STERN. 

The ULSTEIN TWIN X-STERN has been designed for walk-to-work operations in the offshore energy market. Ten TWIN X-STERN vessels are currently being built, with the first to enter operations in 2024.

Table SX232
Subsea vessel Island Performer, design SX121, photo Marius Beck Dahle

See our subsea portfolio and references

Our subsea portfolio includes flexible designs for Offshore Construction, Well Intervention, Inspection/Maintenance/Repair (IMR), Subsea Umbilicals, Risers and Flowlines (SURF) and rock installation vessels.

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Jose Agis DSC4273 comp bw

Jose Jorge Garcia Agis

Description
Managing Director
Affiliation
Ulstein International AS
Rolf Petter Almli DSC5166 comp bw

Rolf Petter Almli

Description
Sales Manager
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS

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Jose Agis DSC4273 comp bw

Jose Jorge Garcia Agis

Managing Director

Affiliation
Ulstein International AS
Rolf Petter Almli DSC5166 comp bw

Rolf Petter Almli

Sales Manager

Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS